Statoil fined over oilsands operation

An Alberta court has fined Statoil C$ 190,000 for improper use of water in its Alberta oilsands operation.

Between 15 December 2008 and 29 May 2009, Statoil contravened its license by underestimating water withdrawal from an approved location, by withdrawing water from two waterholes not included in the license, by using an intake screen with a larger opening than authorised (8mm rather than 2.54 mm) and by not properly measuring water diversion according to the requirements in the license.

There was no pollution associated with Statoil's water use or breach of its license however.

Statoil has accepted responsibility for contravening its license and will be fined C$ 190,000, although only C$ 5000 of the total is a fine, as the company is required to invest C$ 185,000 in an educational e-learning programme, which will provide information and direction on water diversion and proper compliance with the relevant legislation and regulations.